Sanctified Desires

Psalms 27:4 One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

Webster defines the word desire this way. An emotion or excitement of the mind, directed to the attainment or possession of an object from which pleasure, sensual, intellectual or spiritual, is expected; a passion excited by the love of an object. Desire, be it good or bad is a driving force in a person’s life. The desire to win, the desire to succeed, the desire to be well known, the desire to be rich, or even the desire to be holy drives an individual beyond the threshold of comfort and pain in order to obtain that goal. And when that goal is achieved, then what? In most cases, a serious case of disappointment because the actual thrill of the accomplishment is always far short of the expected thrill. Why is that?

Because God did not create us to find ultimate joy or pleasure in the things of this life. Revelation 4.11 tells us, and for Thy pleasure, they are created. Jesus told the woman at the well that drinking from the rivers of this world’s pleasures do not satisfy the deepest longings of our souls. Even the legitimate joys and blessings from God, like relationships, food, shelter, clothing etc. are short lived and must be repeated over and over again. Oh, I thank God for my wife, children, grandchildren, church family and His daily benefits. But they cannot and do not compare with the all-satisfying joy and pleasure that I have in fellowship and communion with Jesus Christ. Thus, my desire to pursue Him actually enhances my appreciation for the blessings He brings into my life.

When Christ becomes the sole pursuit of your desire beloved, everything around you changes. Your perspective in life changes. Your motivation for what you do changes. All because your desires are now focused on Him, His will and His glory. Psalms 73:25 Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee. That verse pretty much clears the table of the pursuit of any lesser rivals, doesn’t it? Psalms 145:19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. Would you note that the Psalmist says that He (God) will fulfill our desires.

Beloved, pray that your one desire in life would be deeper fellowship, intimacy and communion with The Lord Jesus. The overflow of that one all consuming desire will open the door of appreciation and thankfulness for every other blessing from the rich bounty of His love and grace. This sanctified desire causes you to become more heavenly minded. Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Purify our desires Lord Jesus. Cause them to be sacred and not secular. Heavenly and not earthly. Amen.